On September 21, 2024, the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas was honored to be the first tribe in Texas to be designated a Purple Heart Tribe, an honor presented by the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Alaniz-Valentine Chapter (Chapter 598) during the Lipan Apache Tribe’s inaugural Veteran's Pow Wow in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded, in the name of the president, to individuals who have been wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military. The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is a congressionally chartered organization dedicated to service members who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained in combat or due to international terrorism.
The local Military Order of the Purple Heart chapter in Corpus Christi, known as MOPH Chapter 598, was established in 1992. It is named the Alaniz-Valentine Chapter in honor of Andy Alaniz and Roger Valentine, who lost their lives during the Gulf War in 1991. Skyler Barker is the Commander of MOPH 598, Robert "Burke" Shelton is the Vice Commander, Lazaro "Airborne" Camarillo is the Junior Vice Commander, and Ryan Morse is Adjutant.
The Purple Heart Tribe or Reservation is an official designation given by MOPH to Native American tribes that demonstrate dedication and commitment to Purple Heart recipients, military Veterans, Combat Veterans, and their families. These tribes honor the sacrifices made by these individuals in defense of this country’s freedoms. Skyler Barker, along with other members of the MOPH 598, presented the induction certificate to the Lipan Apache Tribe at the beginning of their Veteran’s Pow Wow.
Video Credit: Ashley Leal
Bernard Barcena, the Chairman of the Tribe, accepted the honor, while Tribal Councilman and Combat Army Veteran Daniel Villarreal, who serves as the Tribe’s Administrator of Veteran Services, introduced Barker, who read the declaration aloud. Following the signatures of both Barker and Barcena on the certificate, the audience responded with applause, accompanied by the loud drum rolls of the Pow Wow drums.
The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Veterans Pow Wow honored Lipan Apache Veterans and all individuals from tribal communities who are currently serving or have served honorably in active military service. This year's event attracted Native American Veterans, active-duty service members, their families, and friends from the Lipan community, as well as other Native Americans from Texas and across the nation. Additionally, hundreds of local supporters attended, including Texas State Representative Todd Hunter and Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, to pay tribute to the Veterans and express gratitude for their service.
Reflecting on the Tribe being a Purple Heart Tribe, Daniel Villarreal said, "I serve the Veterans of our tribe with deep pride and dedication. When I was informed that the Military Order of the Purple Heart would be acknowledging our tribe, it brought to light the immense sacrifices made by our Purple Heart Veterans. Recognizing these great warriors at the powwow was not only a profound honor for them but also a moment of collective pride for our tribe."